UAE to charge businesses new fee for playing copyrighted music

Starting December 1, 2026, businesses in the UAE such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centers, and airlines will be required to pay an annual royalty fee for playing copyrighted music on their premises. The new regulation, managed by Music Nation and the Emirates Music Rights Association, will also apply to TV channels and radio stations.

The cost of the permits will depend on the size of the business and the type of music used, with live music or DJ performances generally incurring higher fees. Non-commercial entities like government entities, schools, and charity events will be exempt from paying these fees.

The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation will be responsible for managing the rights of composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers, and music publishers. A significant portion of the collected fees, specifically 10 percent, will go towards a Cultural Support Fund for Music. This fund aims to provide financial, technical, and artistic assistance to musicians throughout their production journey.

Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq, highlighted the importance of this regulation, stating it aligns with international practices and strengthens the principles of transparency and fairness in rights distribution. He also emphasized that this advancement in music sector regulation will support its growth and overall prosperity, further solidifying the UAE's role as a leading global hub for the creative economy and intellectual property protection.